Safety Standards

At SUWS, we realize that the safety and success of your child are of primary concern and we take these responsibilities very seriously. Our parent company, SUWS of the Carolinas, has been providing the highest quality care for youth and families for over two decades. SUWS of the Carolinas programs have earned outstanding reputations and are solidly committed to evidence-based treatment that will produce positive results.

In addition to implementing SUWS of the Carolinas’ proprietary best practices, we abide by a strict set of safety protocols to enhance the care that your child will receive. In addition, you can feel confident that all SUWS of the Carolinas programs are appropriately licensed or regulated by state or local agencies and adhere to established standards of care.

We know that the decision to send your child away can be one of the most difficult choices a parent will ever have to make. We understand your feelings of worry, loss of control and uncertainty for the future. Our highly qualified program staff have been trained how to help you through this difficult time. We hope to be of assistance and support to you throughout the therapeutic process. But don’t just take our word for it; read or listen to what other parents have to say about SUWS. Or, if you prefer, contact some of them yourself.

After all, we share the common goal of wanting your child to succeed at SUWS, for the sake of your family, your child’s future, and so that you too can become one of our many success stories.

Safety & Success

SUWS of the Carolinas considers your child’s safety to be of primary importance. We follow a strict set of safety protocols put in place by our licensing agency (NCDHHS), our accrediting body (CARF); outdoor programming best practices, and our parent company, SUWS of the Carolinas who have been providing the highest quality care for youth and families for over twenty years. These highly regarded safety protocols include the following:

Physical medical exams and a thorough pre-screening process conducted by a licensed clinician so that each student is medically and clinically cleared before leaving campus to join their group

Hydration requirements – require students to drink roughly one quart of water per 25 pounds of body weight. Staff documents each student’s water and food intake on a daily basis.

Medication management by staff that are certified through a state-taught Medication Administration class.

Ongoing health checks and physical assessments – staff conduct feet and hand checks three times per day. Staff thoroughly investigates any and all complaints. EMT level Field Medic follows up with student complaints and helps to arrange follow up doctor’s appointments.

Additional precautions in inclement weather – field staff is aware of any changes in weather and adjusts the group’s agenda accordingly; if the temperature reaches 90 degrees in summer, the groups stop hiking; if the temperature dips into single digits or if winds go over 30 miles-per-hour in winter, the groups return to covered structures at one of our base facilities.

Weather- and activity-appropriate clothing, gear and equipment

Evacuation plans

Staff safety training and drills – each group has at least one staff that is a Wilderness First Responder which means they have received approximately 80 hours of advanced training in how to respond to emergency situations in wilderness settings

Accessible communication – groups in the field are in regular contact with base via multiple forms of communication, including radio and cell phones. Each group calls in to base every morning to report on the status of the groups and if there are any issues that require more follow up.

Additional Safety Information

Your child will be receiving supervision from our qualified and caring staff. This level or supervision is directly related to the severity of his or her behavioral issues. Each staff member who will work with your child has gone through numerous background checks and is in compliance with all state regulations.

Should there be an emergency during your child’s stay, we have established best practices and risk management procedures that include emergency preparedness training and response. In the event of an emergency, you will be quickly notified with as much detail as possible.

At SUWS wilderness treatment program, students work through addiction, depression, developmental disorders, and behavioral issues with experienced staff members in a supportive outdoor environment free from the stresses and distractions of everyday life.
SUWS of the Carolinas operates within the Pisgah Nation Forest under permits issued by the United States Forest Service (USDA), and is subject to the USDA Civil Rights Non Discrimination agreement (Form AD-475-C).